2021 Michigan Black Bear Digest

1 Black bear DIGEST2017 MICHIGANA pplication Period: May 1 - June 1, 2017mi. gov/bearRAP (Report All Poaching): 800-292-7800 Reminders A base license is not required to apply for a bear license. bear hunting clinics available, see pg. 23 Drawing results posted June 26 Visit not use chocolate or cocoa in bear bait. See pg. 15 for Black bear Digest2017 Black bear DigestThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunities for employment and access to Michigan s natural resources. Both state and federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or marital status under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended (MI PA 453 and MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act).

2 If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire additional information, please write: Human Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909-7528 or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Cadillac Place, Suite 3-600, 3054 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 or the Division of Federal Assistance, Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA publication is available in alternative formats upon Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.

3 The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish. The commission conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan . Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in these public forums. For more information visit NOTICE: This brochure is not a legal notice or a complete collection of hunting regulations and laws. It is a condensed Digest issued for hunters convenience.

4 Copies of Wildlife Conservation Orders, which contain complete listings of regulations and legal descriptions, are available on our website: on top of the latest news from the Michigan DNR!Visit us at and click on the red envelope to sign up for e-mail updates! Black bear ManagementHistory and StatusBear Management PlanBear Education for ClassroomsBlack bear HuntingApplication InformationManagement Unit MapLicenses Transfer Program Youth Hunting Methods BaitingDogsHunting HoursGeneral Information bear Hunting ClinicsRegistration Stations3334468121415151719222325 Black bear DIGESTMICHIGAN CONTENTS 2017 Black bear Digest2017 Black bear Digest3 Black bear MANAGEMENTH istory and StatusBears likely have been in Michigan since the melting of the last glacier.

5 Until European settlement, bears existed throughout the state in areas with forested habitat. Bears typically were treated as pests by early European settlers arriving in Michigan and were unprotected in the state until 1925. Since 1925, hunting has been part of the bear management program, with many different season structures. The majority of the bear population resides in the Upper Peninsula, where large tracts of state, federal, and private commercial forest lands contain good to excellent bear habitat. bear Management PlanThe statewide bear management plan is summarized below to promote an understanding of the overall bear management vision of the state of Michigan .

6 Black bear Management Plan Strategic Goals1. Use Hunting as the Primary Tool for Managing Bears2. Promote bear -Related Recreation such as Hunting and Viewing3. Increase Public Awareness and Understanding of Bears andBear-Related Issues4. Maintain an Active bear Research and Monitoring Program5. Provide Bears with Appropriate Habitat6. Allow Bears to Expand Naturally Into Southern Michigan in Balance withManagement Capabilities and Public Acceptance7. Prevent and Resolve Negative bear -Human Interactions2017 Black bear Digest2017 Black bear Digest42017 Black bear HUNTING2017 Black bear Digest2017 Black bear Digest52017 Black bear Drawing and Preference Point System Hunters are selected for a bear license using a preference point drawing system that began in 2000.

7 In the license drawing, applicants with the greatest number of preference points in each hunt period are selected first (see first bullet below). Those who are not selected earn one additional point for future drawings. Only one point will be awarded in a given year. Points are reset to zero for all successful applicants, including those who choose not to purchase their license. Each year, hunters may apply for any bear Management Unit (BMU) and hunt period they choose, and their total preference points (earned in previous drawings) will be considered.

8 Applicants may apply for a bear license, or apply for a point only (Hunt No. 00). Point requirements for each hunt period vary from year to year depending on license availability and demand for licenses. To view the number of points needed in last year s drawing, see the table on pg. 10 or go to for detailed drawing statistics. First hunt choices have priority. When applying, hunters choose a first huntchoice (primary) and an optional second hunt choice. If a hunter choosesa second hunt choice, it will be considered only if licenses remain afterall first hunt choices have been awarded for all applicants.

9 Hunt periodsthat have required zero preference points in the past are more likely to havelicenses available for second hunt choices, but there is no guarantee thatlicenses will be available for second hunt choices in any hunt period. Preference points are tracked by customer ID. To ensure that all your pointsare considered in the drawing, you should apply with the same ID used toapply in previous years. If your ID changes, call 517-284-WILD (9453) beforethe application deadline to ensure your points are combined under yourcurrent ID. You must apply at least once every five years to retain your points.

10 Pointsare reset to zero for applicants who do not apply for five consecutive reset under the previous three year rule will not be restored. Nonresidents may apply; however, no more than 5 percent of licenses in anyhunt period will be issued to nonresidents. Check your preference points at Black bear HUNTING2017 Black bear Digest2017 Black bear Digest62017 Black bear HUNTINGHow to ApplyEligibilityYou must meet all of the following qualifications to be eligible to apply for a license or preference eligible to purchase a bear hunting license for the current 10 years of age or older during the hunt period for which youare applying.